Well, I gave up on mounting a solid axle front end and rebuilt the entire front $u$pen$ion and $teering.
Got super duty/RV springs from Stengel Bros. in PA to replace the wiener 7226 coils I got from NAPA. Check them out on my members photo page, they added almost 6" of height to the front of the truck. It's now running about level, even with the factory overload leafs in the back, -- now it rides much better and it no longer looks like a rolling doorstop
It all went pretty well, removing upper arm bushings was the biggest problem, wound up burning them out after trying all kinds of pressing attempts. Made my own upper ball joint socket and it worked like a charm. Had to work in my unheated garage with the back (duallys won't pass) of the truck hanging out. Could have been worse, creeper got stuck in drifting snow only once or twice
NOTE: The next person to work on that front end will be wise to handle those coils with respect, there is some SERIOUS potential energy stored in those bad boys!
moT

 

Hows the steering?

 

Steering seems OK, wheel is pretty well centered and it doesn't wander or pull. Set 1/8" toe in, but have no idea about caster/camber. Taking it to shop tomorrow for alignment and then new front tires.
Hope I don't run out of things to spend money on!
moT